Chapter 609: Chapter 608: Absolutely Dare Not
Before long, the time it took for two cups of tea to steep, a fragrance wafted over, and dish after dish of exquisitely delicious cuisine filled the table, accompanied by a pot of wine.
The middle-aged man picked up some chopsticks and grabbed a piece of fish, putting it to his mouth, and lightly tasted it. He immediately savored the freshness and tenderness, and couldn’t help but praise, "Delicious! Waiter, bring two more sets of bowls and chopsticks!"
"Yes!" The servant standing by responded and went to the kitchen to serve rice.
Upon seeing this, Liu Zheng also reached out to take a piece of fish for himself.
However, the middle-aged man immediately stopped him.
"I do not allow you to eat this fish!"
Liu Zheng, looking at the food in front of him, was stunned and asked, "Why... why not?"
The middle-aged man coolly said, "This fish is the favorite of the old lady, used to make bone broth. If you eat it, your body will certainly collapse!"
"Uncle Liu, you jest, how could I be so delicate?" Liu Zheng said with a smile.
The middle-aged man said, "I never jest!"
"Uncle Liu, then I won’t eat it..."
Since you know your mistake and are willing to correct it, I might speak on your behalf and ask Miss to forgive you. However, you must promise me one thing!" the middle-aged man said.
"Say it!"
"I know about your relationship with Miss, so I hope from now on you’ll stay away from her and not disturb her peaceful life. If you cannot do this, then you don’t deserve to be her friend!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Zheng was taken aback. He hadn’t expected that coming to see Uncle Liu would result in being shut out like this.
"You may leave now," Liu Zheng said after a moment of silence.
"Then thank you, Uncle Liu!" Having said that, Liu Zheng turned and left.
On his way back, Liu Zheng’s mind was in turmoil, and he walked very fast.
Suddenly, a figure blocked his way. Liu Zheng looked up to see that the person was Liu Qing.
"Is it you?" Liu Zheng frowned.
"What are you doing here seeing Father?" Liu Qing demanded.
Liu Zheng glanced at Liu Qing and said, "I came here, of course, to discuss matters with Uncle Liu."
"Don’t you already know that my father isn’t home? Besides, if my father isn’t home, why bother coming to trouble him?" Liu Qing said.
"Liu Qing!" Liu Zheng rebuked sternly, "This is a private matter between Father and me, it’s none of your business."
"Yes, it’s none of my business, but Liu Zheng, don’t forget that this is the Liu Family. At present, the Liu Family is in perilous times, yet you idle away your days, causing trouble everywhere. I’m genuinely worried that your identity will be exposed and you’ll be killed," Liu Qing said coldly.
Hearing this, Liu Zheng snorted coldly, "Liu Qing, rest assured, as long as I, Liu Zheng, am here, no one will be able to touch our Liu Family. If you don’t learn your lesson, don’t blame me for being rude to you!"
"Fine, if you want to take me on, then just try. I really want to see how you’re going to be rude to me," Liu Qing said angrily, "Today, I challenge you!"
Liu Zheng, hearing this, revealed a mocking expression on his face.
"Liu Qing, I don’t want to waste time talking nonsense with you, let’s just spar right now," Liu Zheng said in a deep voice.
Liu Qing looked at Liu Zheng with disdain in his eyes and said, "Fine!"
Then, the two of them stepped out of the hall and into the courtyard to duel.
All the servants of the Liu Residence gathered around to watch.
"Wow, these two are so brave!"
"Indeed, I think that young man in white isn’t weak at all!"
"That man in black is even more formidable; he defeated Liu Qing with just one move!"
...
Liu Zheng looked at Liu Qing with a trace of malice on his face and said, "Kid, I admit you’re strong, but before me, you’re no match!"
Liu Qing looked at Liu Zheng scornfully and said, "You dare to call yourself the best martial artist of the Liu Family? You’re overestimating yourself!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Zheng laughed out of anger and said, "Is that so? Today, I’ll let you see just how strong I really am!"
As he finished speaking, Liu Zheng swung out a palm, and a powerful Inner Strength burst forth, forming a huge palm print that struck out at Liu Qing.
Liu Qing, not to be outdone, executed the "Supreme Solitude of Eight Desolations and Six Unities," concentrating his Inner Strength into his palm to meet the strike head-on.
Boom!
When their palms collided, an explosion erupted, creating wild winds and filling the air with dust and smoke!
Both stepped back three steps and separated.
Liu Zheng looked at Liu Qing, his eyes slightly narrowing. He realized that he couldn’t grasp the extent of Liu Qing’s abilities, which made him somewhat panicked.
At this moment, Liu Qing was secretly astonished. He had never intended to beat Liu Zheng but only wanted to teach him a lesson. To his surprise, Liu Zheng’s strength was no trivial matter, enabling him to stand on equal ground with him!
Liu Qing wasn’t aware that over the years, Liu Zheng had been rigorously training and hastening his martial arts practice. These skills he had obtained from the Liu Family’s book collection pavilion.
Liu Zheng was shocked by Liu Qing’s cultivation level and felt a tinge of disappointment. He had thought that he had reached the Grandmaster Realm, but after exchanging blows with Liu Qing, he found that he couldn’t fathom his opponent’s depth.
"I really underestimated you! However, Liu Zheng’s strength is beyond your imagination," Liu Zheng said, attacking once more.
Liu Qing responded without hesitation. He knew he couldn’t hold back; otherwise, if he were defeated by his opponent, he would lose face.
Bang, bang, bang... They traded hundreds of moves in a row. Liu Zheng’s speed became slower and slower, gradually falling into a disadvantage.
Although Liu Zheng tried his best to dodge every move, he was still pressured into retreat by his opponent.
Liu Zheng was greatly alarmed; he realized that there was a vast difference in strength between him and Liu Qing. He was simply unable to breach Liu Qing’s defenses.
Suddenly, Liu Qing kicked out, striking Liu Zheng’s chest.
Thump!
Liu Zheng was sent flying several meters and crashed through several large trees before he managed to stop.
Getting up, Liu Zheng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stared at Liu Qing with a pale face, saying, "I don’t believe you’re not hurt at all!"
Saying so, Liu Zheng charged forward again.
At that moment, he felt a chill on his back and couldn’t help shivering. He turned around and was scared out of his wits!
There, a young girl in a white dress, whom he hadn’t noticed approaching, was staring at him with icy cold eyes.
Swallowing his fear, Liu Zheng asked, "Miss, are you... are you human or a ghost?"
"Human and ghost paths do not cross; don’t you understand?" the girl said.
Hearing this, Liu Zheng suddenly realized she was the same girl from the hall before—Liu Qing’s fiancée!
"Miss, I... I didn’t know it was you, please spare my life!" begged Liu Zheng hastily.
The girl glanced at Liu Zheng and spoke indifferently, "I will spare your dog’s life, but remember, you owe me your life! If you dare to pester my man again, I will surely take your dog’s life!"
Liu Zheng nodded repeatedly, saying, "Yes, yes, I’ll remember!"
Thereupon, the girl took Liu Qing back to the house.
That night, lights blazed all through Liu Family’s estate; everyone knew Liu Qing had returned!
As dawn approached, the sky turned white, and the day grew brighter.
When Liu Qing awoke, he found someone at his bedside. He immediately sat up, watching the girl before him warily.
The girl was draped in a red silk dress, her stunning face radiant with youthful vigor, and her every frown and smile was exceedingly enchanting.
Seeing this, Liu Qing’s heart skipped a beat, his breathing turned rapid, and he couldn’t help but curse inwardly, "How can this girl be so bewitching! She’s a calamity for the nation. I wonder which man could tame her!"
Suddenly, the girl spoke in a soft voice as lovely as the song of heaven, "Qing’er, I waited for you all night. I couldn’t sleep, and you’re finally back!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Qing was taken aback. Never had he expected this girl to be Liu Ling, who had entered the palace with him that day.
At this moment, Liu Qing also couldn’t help but recall the image of Liu Ling arguing with everyone in the grand hall.
Liu Qing smiled awkwardly, scratched his head, and said, "Sister Liu, I’m really sorry for making you worry!"
"Humph! Do you even remember you have a sister? I think you’ve found a new love and forgotten about me!" Liu Ling pouted and glared at him as if she was coquettishly expressing her displeasure.
Hearing this, Liu Qing was somewhat speechless. This girl was too sharp, wasn’t she?
"Hehe, not at all, sister, you misunderstand. You’ve always been on my mind!" Liu Qing replied with a forced laugh.
Hearing this, the corners of Liu Ling’s mouth lifted, revealing a smile that could captivate any heart, as she asked, "Really?"
Liu Qing nodded emphatically, saying, "Really! I swear!"
